American University of Nigeria And the Adamawa Peace Initiative International Conference on Peace and Development June 10-13th, 2014

The Role of Religion: Panelists Bishop Makanto Imam Dauda Bello Hamidu Arabo Imam Muhammad Ashafa Pastor James Movel-Wuye

The Role of Religion: Questions Is religion being used in some parts of Nigeria to promote conflict? All panelists answered yes. How can religious leaders ensure their communities are based on understanding and tolerance? ----- Meeting Notes (6/12/14 09:59) ----- Religion used in parts of Nigeria to promote conflict? - Some politicians, criminals and religious leaders manipulate religion to promote conflict and achieve personal interests. - Media played a role in aligning muslims - Muslims are now tagged terrorists by Media - Islamic terrorists by Media - Media has also been misused and abused - Islam promotes inclusiveness - Exclusivisim is not a part of Islam - - 1945. North wasn't comfortable with spread of christian faith. - War between North and South - Christian charismatic movement threatened the methodology of evangilisation - Religious leaders pronounced superiority of their own religion - Boko Haram began as a result of: - Ignorance - Greed - Poverty - Extremists hijack religion - Do no harm to others - Respect and live safely with your neighbour How can religious leaders ensure their communities are based on understanding and tolerance? - Improve capabilities of religious leaders - Need to promote culture and dialogue between religions - We should not popularize extremists - Build a culture of peace and tolerance in the upcoming generation - Religious should develop an interface technology of religion - Legislation against hate-speech - Start and sincere intrareligious interaction - Christians and muslims should focus on their own religions and not - Practice what you teach - Lead by example - Scholars should change method of teaching

RECOMMENDATIONS Improve capabilities of religious leaders Increase cultural understanding and encourage constructive dialogue between religions We should not popularize extremists Develop an effective regulatory body to monitor the religious practices and proceedings of religious institutions Build a culture of peace and tolerance in the upcoming generation Implement legislation against hate-speech Start sincere intra-religious interaction

RECOMMENDATIONS Eliminate the use of outdoor speakers in religious institutions that infringe on the neighborhood’s peace Early warning, monitoring and response systems for religious leaders to condemn violence publicly Revive instrument of approval of religious schools CRK and IRK teachers in schools need capacity building Establish more faith-based organizations in social services

RECOMMENDATIONS Religious leaders should not manipulate religion for personal gains Develop an effective regulatory body to monitor the religious practices and proceedings of religious institutions Government should respond to conspiracy theories Separate religious leaders from traditional leaders. Should not be the same office Both Christian and Muslim religious leaders should instantly and clearly condemn any acts of violence

RECOMMENDATIONS Religious leaders should be honest enough to admit ills of their members Balanced reporting from the media outside the country as to the perceived problem in the region Eliminate the use of outdoor speakers in religious institutions that infringe on the neighborhood’s peace Implement specific frameworks and programs to deal with youth, especially Almajiri

RECOMMENDATIONS Good governance focused on social justice at all levels would reduce numerous problems. Need a better understanding of our problems Need more religious freedom, tolerance and understanding in all religious faiths Both Christian and Muslim religious leaders must condemn the violence rapidly and loudly Political leaders must condemn Boko Haram and the violence

RECOMMENDATIONS Institutions and religious leaders should focus on positive encounters between religions Religious leaders should abide strictly to teachings of scriptures Religious leaders and media should convene conference to discuss current security situation and establish action plans Religious leaders should be more motivational when preaching

RECOMMENDATIONS Empowering caregivers of vulnerable children to ensure healthy growth and education Nigeria should become and show the world that religion is important and how religions can best interact and work together Establish a common understanding of what Boko Haram is and their aim. Without it we cannot contain it Teach people to demonstrate against violence

RECOMMENDATIONS Media should not give airtime to religious leaders that preach violence Learn from other parts of Africa on how peace can be built and maintained Policy on dealing with internally displaced persons Religious leaders should promote desegregation committees Promote social welfare amongst religious bodies

RECOMMENDATIONS Organize more forums in order parts of Nigeria to discuss peace-building Annual international conference for peace and development Build conciliation and consensus as a guidance Practice what you teach and preach Religious leaders should lead by example  Scholars should change method of teaching